MEDIA RELEASE 25th Conference of the Caribbean Association of Home Economists Inc.

MEDIA RELEASE
May 21, 2025

CAHE Celebrates a Groundbreaking 25th Biennial Conference in Trinidad and Tobago
Home Economics, AI, Values, and Attitudes: Interrogating the Nexus

The Caribbean Association of Home Economists Inc. (CAHE) proudly hosted its 25th Biennial Conference from April 13–16, 2025, in Trinidad and Tobago. Themed “Home Economics, AI, Values, and Attitudes: Interrogating the Nexus,” the conference convened over 200 delegates from 11 countries from as far as Australia. Participants included educators, professionals, students, and policymakers.

The event opened with a vibrant ceremony hosted by radio personality Ancil ‘Blaze’ Isaac Jr., joined virtually by AI co-host Isabella, developed by Wisdom CRM. The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Wayne Wesley, CEO and Registrar of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), who highlighted the future of Home Economics in education and skills training.

Delegates engaged in a dynamic programme of plenary sessions, research presentations, and interactive workshops, addressing the integration of AI into areas such as food and nutrition, family studies, textiles, and consumer economics. International keynote speakers, Professor Donna Pendergast AM and Dr. Jay Deagon from Australia, delivered a powerful presentation on the transformative potential of GenAI in Home Economics.

The conference also featured hands-on cultural and technological workshops, including roti and doubles making, sari wrapping, lesson planning with AI, and emerging classroom technologies.

A major milestone was the launch of the “Caribbean Home Economics in Action” textbook series and the Eagle Eye AI Tutor Platform, introduced by Wisdom CRM. Both tools aim to support and modernize Home Economics education across the Caribbean.

Other highlights included a cultural showcase, a vibrant marketplace, and a fundraising initiative in support of the CAHE Disaster Relief Fund. During the closing banquet, Ms. Lucille Marcelle (Trinidad and Tobago) was installed as CAHE President for the 2025–2027 . Special recognition was given to Dr. Antonia Coward (Barbados) for her past leadership. The organization was honoured by the presence of Mrs. Veda Gill, CAHE’s eldest living President at age 96.

The 25th Biennial Conference was a resounding success, affirming the continued relevance and adaptability of Home Economics in a rapidly evolving digital world.

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